Community leaders, elected officials, economic development partners, and project representatives gathered Thursday at The Eldred Preserve to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking of a planned $16 million spa and wellness destination, marking a significant investment in Sullivan County’s tourism economy.
Expected to open in 2027, the 14,000-square-foot facility will be a standalone, full-service spa open to the public, designed to complement The Eldred Preserve’s existing hotel, dining, wedding, and event offerings while creating a new wellness-focused attraction for visitors and local residents.
Hosted by The Eldred Preserve and the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, the ceremony underscored the role of private investment in strengthening Sullivan County’s hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
“The Eldred Preserve has always been about creating experiences that encourage people to stay longer, explore more, and return often,” said Scott Samuelson, chief operating officer of The Eldred Preserve. “This investment allows us to build on that vision while creating a wellness destination that serves both our guests and the broader community. That’s the vision owners Dan and Joan Silna established here, and it’s what drives everything we do.”
The facility will feature hydrotherapy experiences, treatment rooms, relaxation spaces, outdoor wellness amenities, and other offerings designed to complement the resort’s position as a year-round Catskills destination.
“The importance of this project to Sullivan County cannot be overstated,” said Marc Baez, president and CEO of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development. “This spa represents the kind of continued economic development progress we’ve made here, which was recently recognized as leading the region in job growth.”
Sullivan County Legislator Matthew McPhillips noted that the project’s impact extends beyond the construction site itself.
“It’s an investment in local contractors and tradespeople today, but it’s also a long-term investment in jobs, tourism, and the future of our communities,” he said.
Town of Highland Supervisor John Pizzolato welcomed attendees on behalf of the town and described the project as another important addition to the western Sullivan County hospitality landscape. Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek emphasized the broader role The Eldred Preserve plays in the county’s tourism economy.
“This facility and these grounds are one of the crown jewels of our tourism infrastructure and economy here in Sullivan County,” Potosek said. “It is exactly the kind of project we support as county government.”
New York State Assemblymember Paula Kay joined guests at the reception following the ceremony to show her support for the project and continued tourism investment in Sullivan County.
The spa and wellness destination represents the latest phase of investment at The Eldred Preserve, which has emerged as one of Sullivan County’s premier hospitality destinations since the property’s redevelopment.
Additional details about the spa and wellness project will be announced as development progresses.
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PHOTO CAPTION
Pictured from left are: Norm Sutherland, owner of NGS Construction LLC; Josh Potosek, Sullivan County manager; Matthew McPhillips, Sullivan County legislator representing District 1; Scott Samuelson, chief operating officer of The Eldred Preserve; Marc Baez, president and CEO of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development; John Pizzolato, supervisor of the Town of Highland; and Diego Frangiamone, project manager with Holt Construction, during the ceremonial groundbreaking for The Eldred Preserve’s planned $16 million spa and wellness destination on June 18 in Eldred. The 14,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2027.